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With growing concern over potential outbreaks of spontaneous flash mob violence in cities across the U.S. one Christian denomination has taken a proactive and biblical readiness response.

The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and Assemblies of God national Chaplaincy Department team will host a simulated flash mob to help chaplaincy students and those preparing to be emergency services chaplains to experience the demands of a violent flash mob before it happens. The realistic event includes: Local law enforcement, ambulance/paramedic and mortuary services and experienced chaplain responders. Already the event has drawn the interest of corporations, including Walmart. Organizers say the event simulation is successful in helping students understand what takes place in midst of crisis in order to be better prepared and to respond biblically.

Sometimes we think there is nothing we can do in situations like this. Personal safety and survival is paramount. However, for the Christian, in many instances we are able to help and we need to know how to do this effectively. Even without training, we may help law enforcement by providing timely accurate and actionable information of escalating situations. With chaplaincy ministry training we learn skills for dealing effectively with these types of incidents before we interject ourselves into potentially life threatening incidents.

This is National Fire Preparedness Month and it is fitting for me to honor and reflect upon the preparedness tips my uncle who was a Captain in the Detroit Fire Department taught to me.

Actually, Uncle John died a natural death last week, after saving many lives during his 87 years on this earth. He not only took fire safety seriously himself going into dangerous situations as a part of his daily job but he guided our family in fire safety. And he would add his own unique humor to what he was teaching to us to make it fun. From my view as a child, I thought all fireman were that much fun!

The 16th chapter of the Book of john reminds us that Jesus told the disciples about the things of the world which will come upon those who believe. John says “you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you think they are doing God’s service.” This is because they have never known God or Christ. Before Jesus left the disciples He told them at that time because He was still with them yet preparing for his crucifixion. He reminds his disciples that they will not see Him but He will be with them. He told them that the time was coming where they would be scattered. Again, He reminded them they would not be alone, and the Father would be with them. “Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

What does it mean to take heart? Does it mean to overcome fear on our own strength? Does it mean to be joyful when all else seems doom and gloom?

How could this happen - 80 or more churches volunteering to help meet the urgent needs of 1,000 homeless people resulting from a wildfire burning thousands of acres in a 24 hour time period?

It happened because the 80+ churches were already networked in biblical unity together through CEN’s ReadyAustin – Austin Disaster Relief Network.Praying, caring for survivors and sharing the Hope of Christ in real and tangible ways is not foreign to ADRN, they have been taking their biblical responsibility seriously for years. Why? Because they understand that the basis of any quick, eternally lasting response to any crisis is based upon their own spiritual maturity.

With Hurricane Katrina still on the minds of New Orleans and our nation, Hurricane Lee is expected to landfall today. 6,000 people were evacuated from Jefferson Parish as Lee moves closer to the Gulf coastal states.

Please pray for those in harm's way to heed the warnings despite many who are pondering the validity of Hurricane Irene evacuations recently.

Pray for wisdom to follow the directions of those who are experts in the field of emergency management rather than relying upon personal understanding.

Christians in churches all over the U.S are thanking God that the sun has come out today even as Governors from east coastal region states affected by Hurricane Irene report on the damage and challenges following the Hurricane Irene landfall through early morning hours. We thank Him for answers to our prayers on this Sabbath Day as many lives were spared by weakening the storm! Yet we must be careful to wait upon the Lord and not lose focus on what may be unseen.

"Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 8:12 (TLB)